Video laryngoscope

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a video laryngoscope having a body, an insertion section extending from the body generally parallel to a median plane of the laryngoscope extending through the body, and a display screen assembly extending from the body generally perpendicular to the median plane, the body comprising a grip portion intermediate the display screen assembly and the insertion section. The display screen assembly, comprising a display screen, extends laterally from the body and the inner edge of the display screen falls within the lateral extent of the body. The grip portion is also of a minimum size to allow an adult to grip the laryngoscope, the hand abutting the screen assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/911,883 filed Mar. 5, 2018, entitled “Video Laryngoscope,” which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/147,371 filed May 5,2016, entitled “Video Laryngoscope,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,907,464 whichissued on Mar. 6, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.No. 13/697,651 filed Nov. 13, 2012, entitled “Video Laryngoscope,” nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,364,140 which issued on Jun. 14, 2016, which is theUnited States national stage of International Application No.PCT/GB2010/051729 filed Oct. 13, 2010, entitled “Video Laryngoscope,”which claims the benefit of Great Britain Application No. 1016011.7filed Sep. 23, 2010, entitled “Video Laryngoscope,” and Great BritainApplication No. 1008022.4 filed May 13, 2010, entitled “VideoLaryngoscope,” which are all incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of video laryngoscopes havingvideo screens which are either integral to, or demountably attachableto, the body of the video laryngoscope.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Laryngoscopes have been in use for a very long period of time to enablea view to be obtained of the larynx, and to lift tissue adjacent to theepiglottis, or to lift the epiglottis directly, to enable anendotracheal tube to be inserted into a patient's trachea. The firstlaryngoscopes were direct laryngoscopes, enabling a user to obtain adirect line of sight to the patient's trachea, and direct laryngoscopesare typically straight, curved or angled. Indirect laryngoscopes includea viewing device to enable an indirect view of the trachea to beprovided to a user. Early indirect laryngoscopes used a prism, lenses ora series of reflecting mirrors. Later, fibreoptics devices were employedand then video cameras were mounted on the laryngoscope blade (the partwhich extends into a patient's oral cavity in use) once they becamesufficiently small and cost-effective.

Within this specification and the appended claims, by a videolaryngoscope, we refer to laryngoscopes including a video camera forobtaining a view before or during the intubation process. Videolaryngoscopes may include a video camera as part of the blade.Alternatively, they may include a fibreoptic arrangement which conductslight from a suitable viewing position to a video camera location on theblade or in another part of the laryngoscope, such as the handle, orconceivably remotely from the laryngoscope. By a video display region werefer to a surface area on which video images are shown, excludingboundaries, supports etc.

Video laryngoscopes are known which output video signals to a remotedisplay through a wired or wireless video output interface. The presentinvention relates to those which include a display for displaying videoimages obtained from the video camera. The display may be permanentlymounted to the laryngoscope, or demountable.

Video laryngoscopes typically have both a handle and a blade, which maybe separable or integral to each other. The handle may be at any of arange of angles to the blade, such as around 90°, or generally coaxialwith the blade. Blades can be curved, straight and include one of morebends, which may be defined or arise from the smooth changes incurvature. In each case, the term distal is used within thisspecification and the appended claims to refer to the end of the devicewhich extends furthest towards the larynx in use—typically the end ofthe blade, and the term proximal is used within this specification andthe appended claims to refer to the opposite end of the device,typically an end of the handle opposite the blade.

It is known to provide a video display region which is coplanar with thecentre line of video laryngoscopes which have generally bilateralsymmetry and located at the most proximal end of the laryngoscopehandle. For example, this arrangement is known from the productsmarketed as Pentax AWS-100 and Coopdech C-Scope (Daiken Medical). Adisadvantage of these arrangements is that the relatively high mass ofthe video screen and supporting electronics can provide a relativelylarge and bulky device in which the centre of gravity is out of the handand which is harder to manoeuvre than traditional laryngoscopes.

It is also known to provide a video display region which is entirelylaterally offset from the handle of a video laryngoscope, and located atthe most proximal end of the laryngoscope handle. This is known from theMcGrath Series 5 laryngoscope (McGrath is a trade mark of AircraftMedical Limited). This works well with the laterally offset blade of thelaryngoscope but does increase the overall size of the device.

It is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,178 (Berall) to provide a screenlocated distally on the handle of a video laryngoscope, very close tothe blade. However, this design is impractical as it prevents a userfrom forming a good grip around the blade. The grip is obscured by thescreen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a videolaryngoscope having a body, an insertion section extending from the bodygenerally parallel to a median plane of the laryngoscope extendingthrough the body, and a display screen assembly, the body comprising agrip portion intermediate the display screen assembly and the insertionsection. Preferably, the display screen extends generally perpendicularto the median plane. Typically, the display screen extends from the bodygenerally perpendicular to the median plane. The display screen assemblymay be mounted to the body. The display screen assembly may at least inpart be integral with the body.

Thus the invention extends to a video laryngoscope having a body, aninsertion section extending from the body generally parallel to a medianplane (for example, parallel to a median plane) of the laryngoscopeextending through the body, and a display screen assembly extending fromthe body generally perpendicular to the median plane (for example,perpendicular to the median plane), the body comprising a grip portionintermediate the display screen assembly and the insertion section.

The invention also extends to a video laryngoscope having a body, aninsertion section extending from the body, and a display screen assemblycomprising a display screen having an inner edge and an outer edge, thebody comprising a grip portion intermediate the display screen assemblyand the insertion section;

wherein the laryngoscope has a median plane extending through the bodyand insertion section and equidistant a first point of maximum lateralextent of the body from a first side of the median plane, and a secondpoint of maximum lateral extent of the body from a second side of themedian plane; the display screen assembly extending from the bodygenerally perpendicular to the median plane,wherein the distance between the outer edge and the median plane isgreater than the distance between the first and second points of maximumwidth and the median plane, and wherein the distance between the inneredge and the median plane is less than the distance between the firstand second points of maximum width and the median plane.

The invention extends in a further aspect to a laryngoscope having abody, an insertion section extending from the body generally parallel toa median plane of the laryngoscope extending through the body, and adisplay screen assembly comprising a display screen having an inner edgeand an outer edge, the display screen assembly extending generallyperpendicular to the median plane the body comprising a grip portionintermediate the display screen assembly and the insertion section;wherein the inner edge is within the lateral extent of the body and theouter edge extends beyond the lateral extent of the body, from themedian plane. The display screen may extend across the entire lateralextent of the body, with the outer edge extending beyond the lateralextent of the body, at one side of the body, and the inner edge of thedisplay screen extending to the other side of the body.

By the median plane we refer to a virtual plane which will be generallyparallel to a patient's midsagittal plane in use, extending through themiddle of the lateral extent of the grip portion, when the insertionsection is fully inserted into a patient ready for an endotracheal tubeto be introduced into the trachea. The laryngoscope is typically notsymmetrical through the median plane.

Precise manual control over a laryngoscope, in use, is highly desirableand it is typically necessary, during a medical procedure, for a user(typically a medical practitioner) to be required to make precisechanges to the forces applied to the laryngoscope grip, so as tomanipulate the tissues of the patient's trachea, larynx or epiglottis.It is also desirable for the structure of a laryngoscope to afford themedical practitioner a satisfactory view of the patient's mouth cavityand, in some cases, a direct view of the tissues being manipulated.

Display screens of known video laryngoscopes may be positioned to oneside of the laryngoscope body or on the end of the laryngoscope body, soas to permit the best possible view of the patient's mouth cavity in use(and in some cases permit direct viewing of the patient's trachea,epiglottis or larynx), and so as to afford the user the maximum range ofalternative hand positions about the grip and/or the body. Videolaryngoscopes are also known having display screens positioned in frontof the body, in line with the grip portion, so that the screen is in, orclose to, the line of sight of the user when they are directly viewing,thus making alternating between direct and indirect views easier.

Therefore, the display screens which are positioned on the end or to oneside of the body are further from the line of sight of the practitionerwhen they are looking into the patient's oral cavity, making it moredifficult to alternate between direct and indirect views, whereasdisplay screens positioned in front of the laryngoscope body inhibit orprevent certain hand positions on the grip, thereby compromising thedegree of control available.

Advantageously, the laryngoscope of the present invention is providedwith a display screen which is partially in front of, or indented into,or in some embodiments substantially into, the laryngoscope body, suchthat the screen is positioned close to the line of sight of thepractitioner directly viewing the patient's oral cavity, in use, butwhich does not impede alternative hand grip positions, in particularpermitting alternative positions of the user's thumb.

The relative position of the grip portion and the display screenassembly provides further manual control of the laryngoscope; viapressure applied to the surface of the display screen assembly closestto the grip portion.

The insertion section has a proximal end adjoining the body, and adistal end, and the display screen assembly has a first end and a secondend, the second end being closer to the insertion section than the firstend. In some embodiments, the distance between the second end and theproximate end provides sufficient for the grip portion to be gripped byan adult human hand abutting the second end, in use. Thus, pressure maybe applied to the second end (the surface of the display screen assemblyclosest to the grip portion) without the requirement for the user tomove any of the digits of the hand by which the laryngoscope is gripped,in use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provideda video laryngoscope having a body, an insertion section extending fromthe body generally parallel to a median plane of the laryngoscopeextending through the body, the insertion section having a proximal endadjoining the body, and a distal end; and a display screen assembly(comprising a display screen) extending generally perpendicular to themedian plane, the display screen assembly having a first end and asecond end, the second end being closer to the insertion section thanthe first end;

the body comprising a grip portion extending from the second end of thedisplay screen assembly to the proximate end of the insertion section,the distance between the second end and the proximate end sufficient forthe grip portion to be gripped by an adult human hand abutting thesecond end, in use.

Thus, the grip portion is a minimum size to receive an adult human hand,abutting the second end of the display screen assembly. Videolaryngoscopes are known having a significant gap between the user's hand(when gripping the grip portion) and the display screen assembly, whichare necessarily larger than the laryngoscope of the present invention.Furthermore, it may not be possible to manipulate such knownlaryngoscopes by applying pressure to a portion (e.g. a second end) ofthe display screen assembly, or it may be necessary to adjust theposition of one or more digits of the hand by which the laryngoscope isbeing held, in order to manipulate the laryngoscope in this way.

Typically, the display screen has an inner edge and an outer edge and,in some embodiments, the inner edge is within the lateral extent of thebody and the outer edge extends beyond the lateral extent of the body,from the median plane.

The body typically extends to a first point of maximum lateral extentfrom a first side of the median plane, and to a second point of maximumlateral extent from a second side of the median plane, the median planeis equidistant the first and second points. In some embodiments, thedisplay screen has an inner edge and an outer edge, and the distance ofthe outer edge from the median plane is greater than the distance fromthe first and second points of maximum lateral extent to the medianplane, and wherein the distance from the inner edge to the median planeis less than the distance from the first and second points of maximumlateral extent to the median plane.

Preferably the distance between the proximal end and the second end isbetween 3 cm and 9 cm.

The width of the average adult human hand (when gripping and object) isbetween approximately 7.5 cm and 9 cm. Therefore, a distance of at least3 cm ensures that a user of the laryngoscope is able to encircle thegrip portion with at least 2 digits, and a distance of less than 9 cmensures that the top of a user's hand abuts (or very nearly abuts) thesecond end, thereby facilitating fine control over the manipulation ofthe laryngoscope, in use.

The distance may be less than 8.5 cm, or 8 cm. The distance may begreater than approximately 4 cm, or greater than approximately 6 cm, and9 cm or less, ensuring that the user is able to encircle the gripportion with at least three digits.

In some embodiments, therefore, the distance is such that the user isadvantageously able to grip the display screen assembly between a thumband the forefinger (and in some embodiments the forefinger and/or middlefinger), thereby conveying additional control over the manipulation ofthe laryngoscope.

The proximity of the screen to the insertion section reduces movement ofthe head by a user looking to and from the screen and the oral cavity.

In some embodiments, the orientation of the screen is adjustable aboutan axis extending laterally from the body. Advantageously, therefore,the orientation of the screen may be adjusted by the user's thumb, whenthe user is gripping the grip portion.

In some embodiments, the display screen assembly (and in someembodiments the display screen) may comprise controls. The displayscreen assembly (and in some embodiments the display screen) of thelaryngoscope of the present invention is advantageously positioned so asto enable thumb-operation of such controls during use of thelaryngoscope, without the requirement for the user to adjust their gripwith the remaining digits of the hand by which the laryngoscope is held.Accordingly, the display screen assembly (and in some embodiments thedisplay screen) may comprise one or more thumb-operable controls.

Alternatively, or in addition, the body may comprise one or morethumb-operated controls.

Accordingly, the invention extends in a third aspect to a videolaryngoscope having a body, an insertion section extending from the bodygenerally parallel to a median plane of the laryngoscope extendingthrough the body, a display screen assembly comprising a display screenand extending laterally from the body generally perpendicular to themedian plane and a grip portion intermediate the display screen assemblyand the insertion section; the body and/or the display screen assemblycomprising one or more thumb-operable controls, positioned so as to beoperable by a user's thumb without the requirement for the user toadjust their grip with the remaining digits of the hand by which thelaryngoscope is held, in use.

The display screen may be a touch screen, and may function as one ormore thumb-operable controls.

The or each said thumb-operable control may be operable to control theposition, brightness, colour, contrast or other properties of thedisplay screen. The or each said thumb-operable control may be operableto control the position of a moveable element (for example the positionof an image capture device) of the insertion section, or the brightness,position or angle of a light source. The or each said thumb-operablecontrol may control the status of the laryngoscope (for example whetherthe laryngoscope is on or off) or may control a gas supply, or any othersuitable function of the laryngoscope, for example, a mechanicalfunction (such as a tube guiding or steering mechanism or other movingpart), an optical function or manipulation or control of another device,such as a remote monitor. The thumb control may allow the user to scrollthrough patient information displayed on the screen or another screen.

The body may comprise the grip portion.

The insertion section may be straight or curved. The insertion sectionmay extend at an angle from the body, or some or all (for example aproximal portion) may extend generally in line with the body. A distalportion of the insertion section may extend at an angle from theremainder (intermediate and/or proximal portions) of the insertionsection and/or the body. The insertion section may be integral to thebody, or connected to the body and the insertion section may beremovably connected, or provided with a removable portion, for example aremovable cover.

In use of a laryngoscope, and in particular a video laryngoscope, thebody or the display screen assembly may by brought into contact with thepatient's chin, neck or chest during a medical procedure.

In some embodiments, the display screen assembly (and the displayscreen) is flexible (at least in part; typically, at least at its endfurthest from the insertion section), so as to minimise possibleobstruction by a patient's chin, neck, chest, clothing or otherequipment or objects in the vicinity in the event that the displayscreen assembly is brought into contact therewith. The body may comprisea grip portion and the display screen may be flexible where it extendsbeyond the grip portion. The grip portion may be rigid. Thus, the screenmay flex in use, for example, when it contacts a patient's body or otherequipment or objects, beyond the rigid grip portion.

Thus, the invention extends in a further aspect to a video laryngoscopecomprising a body, an insertion section extending from the body, and adisplay screen assembly extending from the body, wherein the displayscreen assembly is flexible, at least in part (typically, at least atits end furthest from the insertion section). The body may comprise agrip portion and the display screen may be flexible where it extendsbeyond the grip portion.

The display screen assembly may have a thickness of less than 5 mm (or ⅛inch). The display screen assembly may be located on the front (userfacing) surface of the body. These features mean that it can be tiltedfurther before encountering obstruction.

The display screen assembly may comprise a resilient material, or aresilient member. For example the display screen assembly may comprise aresilient casing which enables (in embodiments having a flexible displayscreen) the assembly to deform when brought into contact with thepatient, and to thereafter return to the original shape. The displayscreen may comprise and/or be connected to the body by a resilientmember, so as to be deflectable (e.g. when brought into contact with thepatient's chin, neck or chest, during a medical procedure) and tothereafter return to its original orientation.

The display screen assembly may be integral to the body, or may beconnected to the body. The display screen assembly may be pivotableabout an axis extending generally perpendicular to the median plane. Thedisplay screen may be pivotable about a pivot extending from the body,generally perpendicular to the median plane. The pivot, or at least aportion thereof, may be resilient, such that the display screen assemblymay be deflected if it comes into contact with a patient, and thereafterreturn to its normal orientation.

The display screen is advantageously large, so as to provide the mostdetailed images to the user. The display screen may comprise all or themajority of the face of the display screen assembly viewable to a userof the laryngoscope during a medical procedure. The display screenpreferably has a diagonal dimension above 2.5 cm (1 inches), of greaterthan 5 cm (2 inches), or at least 6 cm (2.4 inches) or at least 8 cm(3.1 inches). The diagonal dimension may be less than 13 cm (5 inches),less than 12 cm (4.7 inches) or less than 10 cm (3.9 inches). In someembodiments the diagonal dimension is between 8.5-9.0 cm (around 3.5inches) or 10.0-11.0 cm (around 4.22 inches).

The aspect ratio is typically between 1:1 (height:width) and 2:1(height:width), more typically between 1.2:1 and 1.8:1, for examplearound 1.3:1. For example, the aspect ratio may be 4:3, 16:9, 14:9, 8:5,5:3 or 5:4. The surface area is typically at least 15 cm² and may be atleast 20 cm². The surface area is typically less than 100 cm² and may beless than 70 cm² or less than 60 cm² or 40 cm².

It may be that the display screen extends into the clasp of a user'shand when they grip the grip portion.

Preferred and optional features of the any of the above aspects of theinvention correspond to preferred and optional features each of theabove aspects of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An example embodiment of the present invention will now be illustratedwith reference to the following Figures in which:

FIG. 1a is a side view from a first side of a video laryngoscope of thepresent invention;

FIG. 1b is an end view showing the front face of the display screenassembly of the video laryngoscope of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1c is a side view from a second side of the video laryngoscope ofFIG. 1 a;

FIG. 1d is an end view showing the rear face of the display screenassembly; of the video laryngoscope of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2a is perspective view of the video laryngoscope of FIG. 1a-dshowing the rear of the display screen assembly, from the second side;

FIG. 2b is perspective view of the video laryngoscope of FIG. 1a-dshowing the rear of the display screen assembly, from the first side;

FIG. 2c is perspective view of the video laryngoscope of FIG. 1a-dshowing the front of the display screen assembly, from the second side;

FIG. 2d is perspective view of the video laryngoscope of FIG. 1a-dshowing the front of the display screen assembly, from the first side;

FIG. 3a is perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a front sideof the video laryngoscope of the invention, gripped by an adult humanhand;

FIG. 3b is perspective view of a back side of the video laryngoscope ofFIG. 3a , gripped by an adult human hand;

FIG. 4a is an end view of the video laryngoscope of FIGS. 3a and 3b ,gripped by an adult human hand;

FIG. 4b is a side view of the video laryngoscope of FIGS. 3a and 3b ,gripped by an adult human hand;

FIG. 5a is an end view showing the rear face of the display screenassembly of a video laryngoscope of the present invention;

FIG. 5b is a side view from a first side of the video laryngoscope ofFIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5c is a top view of the video laryngoscope of FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5d is a side view from a second side; of the video laryngoscope ofFIG. 5a , gripped by an adult human hand;

FIG. 6a is a side view of the video laryngoscope of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6b is an end view showing the rear face of the display screenassembly of the video laryngoscope of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6c is a perspective view showing the rear face of a first side ofthe display screen assembly; of the video laryngoscope of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6d is a perspective view showing the rear face of a second side ofthe display screen assembly; of the video laryngoscope of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7a is a side view of a video laryngoscope of the present inventionbeing gripped by an adult hand;

FIG. 7b is a plan view; of the video laryngoscope being gripped by anadult hand;

FIG. 7c is a side view of an alternative hand grip position of the videolaryngoscope;

FIG. 7d is a side view of a further alternative hand grip position; ofthe video laryngoscope;

FIG. 8a is a side view of the video laryngoscope of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8b is an end view showing the rear face of the display screenassembly of the video laryngoscope of FIG. 7,

FIG. 8c is a perspective view showing the rear face of the displayscreen assembly; of the video laryngoscope of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8d is a perspective view showing the rear face of the displayscreen assembly; of the video laryngoscope of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9a is a perspective view of a first side of a video laryngoscope ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9b is a perspective view of a second side of the video laryngoscopeFIG. 9 a;

FIG. 9c is an alternative perspective view of the first side of thevideo laryngoscope of FIG. 9 a;

FIG. 9d is an alternative perspective view of the second side of thevideo laryngoscope FIG. 9 b;

FIG. 10a is a side view of the video laryngoscope of FIG. 9;

FIG. 10b is an end view of the video laryngoscope of FIG. 9;

FIG. 10c is a plan view with the display screen assembly foremost of thevideo laryngoscope of FIG. 9;

FIG. 10d is a plan view showing the insertion section foremost; of thevideo laryngoscope of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows schematic plan views of laryngoscope configurations,showing alternative body shapes and display screen assembly positions;and

FIG. 12 shows schematic face and side views of laryngoscopeconfigurations, showing alternative relative positions of body andscreen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a video laryngoscope 1 comprising a body 2 and an insertionsection 4 extending from the body. A display screen assembly 8 isconnected to the body comprises an LCD display screen 10 which isoriented generally perpendicular to the plane of the insertion section,as can be seen most clearly in FIGS. 1b and 1 d.

The insertion section comprises a distal portion 5 for manipulating thetissues of a patient's trachea, epiglottis or larynx, and a cameraelement 6 extending through a channel in the insertion section to a lens7. An image obtained by a camera at the distal end of the cameraelement, adjacent the lens, is operable to capture an image, to bedisplayed on the screen and thereby provide an indirect view of apatient's oral cavity (and in particular the epiglottis, trachea orlarynx) in use.

The insertion section further comprises an inferior surface, which, inuse, is engaged with a patient's tongue. The inferior surface of theembodiments shown is provided with a moderate curvature, so as to enablea user of the laryngoscope to directly view the distal tip 14, and thusobtain a direct view of a patient's epiglottis etc., in use.

The display screen assembly is connected to the body and is operable topivot around axis 16.

The body comprises a grip portion 18, extending from the proximal end 20of the insertion section, to the edge 22 of the screen assembly which isclosest to the axis.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1b and 1d , the body extends laterally (i.e. inthe direction parallel to the screen and generally perpendicular to theinsertion section) to a widest point (i.e. of maximum lateral extent)24, 26 to each of the first and second sides of the body, respectively.The screen has an inner edge 28 and an outer edge 30 and is indentedinto the body such that the widest point 26 extends laterally beyond theinner edge 28. That is to say, as measured from a notional plane A,which extends perpendicular to the screen and parallel to the insertionsection, through the body, equidistant the widest point 24, 26 of thebody, the inner edge 28 is closer to A than the widest points 24, 26 ofthe body, and the outer edge 30 is further from A than the widest points24, 26 of the body.

Perspective view of the laryngoscope 1, showing the features discussedabove, are show in FIGS. 2a -d.

In use, the laryngoscope 1 is gripped around the grip portion. The gripportion is sized to receive an adult human hand (the length of the gripportion, i.e. the distance in the plane A between the proximal end ofthe insertion section and the end 22 of the screen assembly being 9 cm).

Thus, the body is only as large as is necessary to allow the user togrip the grip portion with all of the digits of the hand by which thelaryngoscope is gripped. Additionally, the user's hand will necessarilyabut the end 22 of the display screen assembly, such that pressure maybe applied to the end 22 without changing grip (or by changing gripminimally) so as to facilitate precise manipulation of the laryngoscopeduring a medical procedure, by applying pressure or leverage to the end22 of the display screen assembly.

Furthermore, minimising the length of the grip ensures that the screenis as close as possible to the line of sight of the user when directlyviewing the distal tip 14, so that alternating between a direct view andthe indirect view displayed on the screen, is as convenient as possible.

Positioning of the display screen assembly indented, but not fullycovering, the end portion 32 of the body, places the screen close enoughto the grip portion that the angle of the screen may be adjusted by theuser's thumb without changing grip with the remaining digits, whilstleaving the end portion exposed such that pressure may be applied by theuser's thumb so as to manipulate the laryngoscope during a medicalprocedure.

In alternative embodiments (not shown) a power switch (or other control)is also provided on the end portion of the body, such that thelaryngoscope may be controlled (for example the camera activated) by theuser, without the need to change the grip of the remaining digits bywhich the laryngoscope is held. Thus, the video features (or otherfeatures) of the laryngoscope may be controlled more effectively duringa medical procedure.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show an alternative embodiment of a laryngoscope 100 ofthe present invention differing only from laryngoscope 1 in having alarger screen assembly 108 which is co-moulded with the body 102. Thebody (comprising grip portion 118) is of similar dimensions to the body1 of laryngoscope 1, and the grip portion of the body 102 also has alength of 9 cm. As show in FIGS. 3a, 4a and 4b , the grip portion islarge enough to be encircled by an adult human hand, with the thumb 140and forefinger 142 abutting the edge 122 of the screen assembly, thusfacilitating the manipulation of the laryngoscope during a medicalprocedure (via leverage applied to the edge 122) without, or withminimal, changes to the user's grip.

Display screen 110 is a touch screen, comprising thumb-operable controls(as shown in FIG. 3b ). The position of the screen in relation to thegrip portion, as discussed above, enables operation of the displayscreen parameters during a medical procedure.

FIGS. 5a-d shows various views of a further embodiment of a laryngoscope200 of the present invention.

In certain circumstances, it is advantageous for the entire laryngoscopeto be compact. For example, a smaller device may be more easily stored,for use by paramedics. In particular also, small laryngoscopes areadapted for use with smaller patients such as children or infants. It isadditionally beneficial for the screen assembly to be of reduced size,so as to reduce contact with the chin, neck or chest of a smallerpatient.

Accordingly, laryngoscope 200 (of FIGS. 5 and 6) is provided with acomparatively small screen assembly 208 and a grip portion 218 of 5 cmlength. The insertion section 204 is of correspondingly reduced size incomparison to the embodiments discussed above.

The body 218 has a greater width W than depth D. A body having a maximumlateral extent greater than the maximum extent of the body perpendicularto the plane of the display screen may advantageously be gripped in adifferent manner to handles having generally round orrounded-rectangular profiles. For example, hand grip positions whereinthe display screen assembly and/or the body are gripped or leveragedbetween the thumb and forefinger (for example as shown in FIGS. 5b and7d ) may be more readily achieved. Some users may have a preference forcertain grip positions, (for example leveraging or “pinching” betweenthe thumb and forefinger) for example users with smaller hands.Similarly, some grip positions may be more appropriate for certain typesof medical procedure.

The body may have a maximum lateral extent that is between one and twotimes the maximum extent perpendicular to the plane of the displayscreen, or between one and three times, or between two and three times,or greater than three, or four times.

In addition, a “flattened” body profile, such as the profile of body 218enables longitudinal extent (i.e. the height) of the laryngoscope to bereduced, e.g. for ease of storage or use with infants.

The grip portion (which can be more clearly seen in FIG. 6) is ofsufficient size to be encircled by three digits of an adult human hand.

FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10 show further embodiments of the present invention.Laryngoscope 300 is sized similarly to laryngoscope 200, but is providedwith an alternative insertion section 304, having a different curvatureand extending at a different angle from the body, than the insertionsection 204 of laryngoscope 200.

Laryngoscope 400 is a further embodiment of the invention, showing analternative shape of grip portion 418, body 402 and screen assembly 408extending laterally from the body. Laryngoscope 400 is specificallyadapted for optimal direct viewing and is provided with a straightinsertion section 404, having a generally flat inferior surface 412.

FIG. 11 shows schematic plan views of laryngoscope configurations,showing alternative body shapes and display screen assembly positions.Each figure depicts the maximum lateral extent of the display screenassembly and the body, as viewed along an axis parallel to the medianplane and the plane of the display screen.

The laryngoscope body may be provided with a rounded rectangular profilehaving all four corners rounded (configurations 501, 502 and 503) orhaving the two corners furthest from the face of the display screenrounded (configurations 504, 505 and 506). The laryngoscope body may beprovided with an oval profile, wherein the long axis of symmetry of theoval generally parallel to the plane of the display (configurations 507,508 and 509), or with a circular profile (configurations 510, 511 and512).

The display screen assembly may extend to the same lateral extent as thebody to the first side of the median plane (such that the body extendslaterally beyond the display screen itself), and beyond the maximumlateral extent of the body to the second side of the median plane(configurations 501, 504, 507 and 510). The body may extend laterallybeyond the display screen assembly (and thus the display screen) to thefirst side, and the display screen assembly may extend laterally beyondthe body (configurations 502, 503, 505, 506, 508, 509, 511 and 512). Insome embodiments, for example where the display screen assembly is insetinto the body and pivotable, the display screen assembly extends fromapproximately in line with the median plane (configurations 503, 506,509 and 512).

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is configured generally aslaryngoscope 512. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7 areconfigured generally as laryngoscope 502. The embodiments shown in FIGS.6 and 8 are configured generally as laryngoscope 503, and the embodimentshown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is configured generally as laryngoscope 508.

Human hands differ in size and strength. Laryngoscope bodies ofdifferent profiles have different ergonomic properties and some usersmay prefer one body shape over another, and may find manipulation of alaryngoscope having a certain body shape or size easier than othershapes/sizes. The lateral extension of the screen assembly from the bodymay also be important, as different lateral extension changes the extentto which the assembly may be pinched or leveraged, in use, and thereforesome users may prefer or be better able to manipulate a laryngoscopehaving a certain configuration.

FIG. 12 shows an array of alternative configurations of laryngoscopebody and screen. The maximum lateral extent of the body (unshadedrectangle) and display screen assembly (shaded rectangle) is shown inthe face views of configurations in columns (I), (II) and (III). Themaximum depth and relative positions out of the plane of the displayscreen, of the display screen assembly and laryngoscope body are shownin the side views (i.e. parallel to the plane of the display screen) inthe configurations shown in columns (IV), (V) and (VI). A laryngoscopeof the present invention may have a configuration according to any ofcolumns (I)-(III) in combination with any of columns (IV)-(VI). Thedisplay screen and the body of a laryngoscope of the present inventionmay occupy substantially all of the volumes so defined, or only a part.

For example, a body having a round or oval profile (such aslaryngoscopes having configurations 507 to 512, shown in FIG. 11) mayhave the same maximum lateral and extent and depths a bodies havingrounded rectangular profiles (such as laryngoscopes havingconfigurations 501 to 506). The display screen assembly and, moretypically, the body, may be tapered in one, two, or three dimensions,such as the body of the laryngoscope shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

As also shown in FIG. 11, the display screen assembly may extend to thesame lateral extent as the body to the first side of the median plane(such that the body extends laterally beyond the display screen itself),and beyond the maximum lateral extent of the body to the second side ofthe median plane (column (I)). The body may extend laterally beyond thedisplay screen assembly (and thus the display screen) to the first side,and the display screen assembly may extend laterally beyond the body(columns (II) and (III)). In some embodiments, the display screenassembly extends from approximately in line with the median plane(column (III)).

The display screen assembly may extend longitudinally beyond the body(configurations shown in rows (i) and (ii)), or the maximum longitudinalextent of the display screen assembly and the body from the laryngoscopeblade (and handle portion) may be in line with each other(configurations shown in row (iii)) or the body may extendlongitudinally beyond the display screen assembly (configurations shownin row (iv)).

The relative longitudinal extent of the body and the display screenassembly may vary, so as to provide handle portions of different lengths(e.g. to allow the handle to be gripped by all of the fingers of anadult human hand, or by only two or three). For example, theconfigurations of row (i) are similar to those shown in row (ii), butthe body has a greater longitudinal extent and thus a longer handleportion. Further configurations (for example long-handle configurationscorresponding to those show in rows (iii) and (iv)) are also envisaged.

Further variations and modifications fall within the scope of theinvention herein disclosed.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A video laryngoscope comprising: a bodycomprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the body extendsfrom the proximal end to the distal end along a median plane of thelaryngoscope body, an insertion section extending from the distal end ofthe body, and a display screen positioned at or near the proximal end ofthe body, the display screen comprising an inner edge and an outer edge,wherein the inner edge is positioned within the body on a first side ofthe median plane of the laryngoscope body and the outer edge ispositioned on an opposing side of the median plane such that a majorityof the display screen is positioned on the opposing side of the medianplane and wherein a midpoint between the inner edge and the outer edgeis positioned laterally of the body.
 2. The video laryngoscope of claim1, wherein the insertion section is integral with the body.
 3. The videolaryngoscope of claim 1, wherein the display screen is integral with thebody along at least a portion of the inner edge of the display screen.4. The video laryngoscope of claim 1, wherein the body is rounded. 5.The video laryngoscope of claim 1, wherein the inner edge and the outeredge are parallel.
 6. The video laryngoscope of claim 1, wherein thebody extends beyond the display screen on the first side.
 7. The videolaryngoscope of claim 1, comprising a power control or switch disposedon the body.
 8. The video laryngoscope of claim 1, wherein the displayscreen is an LCD display screen.
 9. The video laryngoscope of claim 1,wherein the insertion section comprises a camera.
 10. The videolaryngoscope of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a grip portionpositioned between the display screen and the insertion section.
 11. Avideo laryngoscope comprising: a body comprising a proximal end and adistal end, wherein the body extends from the proximal end to the distalend along a median plane of the laryngoscope body, an insertion sectionextending from the distal end of the body, and a display screen assemblyintegral with the body and positioned at or near the proximal end of thebody, wherein the display screen assembly comprises an LCD displayscreen having a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, whereina first imaginary axis along the first vertical edge passes through thebody on a first side of the median plane and wherein a second imaginaryaxis along the second vertical edge on an opposing side of the medianplane does not pass through the body and wherein a midpoint between thefirst vertical edge and the second vertical edge is positioned laterallyof the body.
 12. The video laryngoscope of claim 11, wherein theinsertion section is coupled to the body along at least a portion of thefirst imaginary axis.
 13. The video laryngoscope of claim 11, whereinthe body is rounded.
 14. The video laryngoscope of claim 11, wherein thebody comprises a grip portion positioned between the LCD display screenand the insertion section.
 15. The video laryngoscope of claim 11,wherein the LCD display screen has a diagonal dimension greater than 2.5cm.
 16. The video laryngoscope of claim 11, wherein a distance between adistal end of the display screen assembly and a proximal end of theinsertion section is less than 9 cm.
 17. The video laryngoscope of claim11, comprising a power control or switch disposed on the body.
 18. Thevideo laryngoscope of claim 11, wherein the insertion section comprisesa camera.